Friday, October 31, 2014

Book Launch - Santa's Little Helper by H. D. Gordon

http://www.amazon.com/Santas-Little-Helper-H-Gordon-ebook/dp/B00O2AZFQS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1412781389&sr=8-8&keywords=santa%27s+little+helper

In view with the current Halloween season, I was approached by the author that there will be a book launch during this special horror-holiday time. The book is titled "Santa's Little Helper". 

Although there are many variation on this book title but I guess H. D. Gordon would likely take a more uniquely approach by horrifying her audience alongside with the Christmas season too. Can't wait to read it!

Trailer



Amazon Link


Synopsis
He shows up in a white box, with a bright red book under his arm... He wears a jolly grin and hat, a suit with gold bells and green yarn... He watches you for Santa, or so his red book claims... But though his grin is jolly, he's not here for fun and games...

The children have been chosen, such precious little souls they are... And may the Gods be with them, if they wish to make it very far... For Santa's Little Helper does not say, but knows important things... He knows when you've been bad or good, and what monsters stalk your dreams... He knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you're awake...He's picking out his presents...He's got some souls to take.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Saga Series 02 - Chapter Two by Brian K. Vaughan

http://www.bookdepository.com/Saga-1-Brian-Vaughan/9781607066019/?a_aid=jbblkh

Can anyone tell me that every chapter for Saga leaves me hanging with shocked? I know in the first chapter, there were moments of survivor-hood and betrayal... and some sort of a treasure map leaving behind.

In this chapter, I didn't expect it to happen so soon! And at the very last, it kinda gives me the creeps! Holy Guacamole Shocked!!!


Chapter 3 coming up!

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Booksplosion Read-Along for the month - October - #9

http://www.bookdepository.com/Black-Ice-Becca-Fitzpatrick/9781471118159/?a_aid=jbblkh


To be honest, I have not read a book that got me so irrational with my emotion. Maybe I've tried to avoid YA Romance for a reason but then again I'm able to accept Contemporary Romance. Now, I haven't got the time to sit down and list out the difference but I just can't wait to finish this book as soon as I've started.

"I really believed I'd moved on, but when I saw Cal, my repressed emotions had boiled to the surface. I hated that I still felt something for him, even if it was intense negative emotion. I hated that I was still giving him power to hurt me. I had so many bad memories inextricably linked to Calvin. Did Korbie not remember that he broke up with me the night of homecoming?"

I know... I know... She's still in her teenage years and she's allowed to have this feelings but I just want to...


Yup!!! That kinda sums it what I wanted to do to Britt. I can't endure any of her rant on Calvin anymore. Although it's just 8 months and I know it's always hard to get over their first love but move on already!

Okay, now that they were stuck halfway in this dreadful snowy mountain and found a lit cabin with 2 guys! Come on! Those instinct juice should be telling you not to enter already! They were flirting too!!! What the *beep*!!! Please give me another round of slap...


Yes!!! That's more like it!

Plot wise was kinda predictable and NO, I won't be spoiling it. Why? Because I'm normal! Right before half of the book, it kinda gave away with a subtle hint on who the real psycho is... which made me goes...


I finished the book in a hurry anyway and overall, the ending kinda makes me bump the rating up with the reason of having a real rationale writing. I will not dare myself to read books like that again. It's seriously annoying! ERGH!!!

Ratings: 2 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Saga Series 01 - Chapter One by Brian K. Vaughan

https://imagecomics.com/comics/releases/saga-1


I never knew I would enjoy this as much as any graphic novel recommendations would go. All hype aside, the essence of who Hazel is is beginning to develop within me. 

World building on how inter-galactic war has sparks out my curiosity on the history of mankind (in this context Extra-Terrestrial-kind -- Alright, let's not be Alienated-Racist!). 

The "Wow" effect moment caught me by surprise when the smell of  death is creeping up your neck. Betrayal was present but was it for a greater good?

The ending of the first chapter (or might I say the very last strip) leaves me gawking with fear. Can't wait to dive into the second chapter. 

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer

http://www.bookdepository.com/Not-Penny-More-Not-Penny-Less-Jeffrey-Archer/9780312997137/?a_aid=jbblkh

This is my take on Archer's first ever published book. My very first encounter with Archer is that I've read the "Kane and Abel" series. Now that was a bloody fantastic series especially the first. 

During the course of reading, adrenaline never cease to pump on plots and plans on how to get back their cheated investment. Schemes and rehearsals were well thought off and how each plan was near failure whilst one reader can never expect that the 4 of them is able to salvage it in the nick of time.

It was a short book and I was expecting a predictable plot ending BUT that bloody TWIST just caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting THAT at all! I was like... "Oh no,  you didn't!!!"
 
 
Overall, this book gave a fairly good impression on how the author's life experience has causes him to pen this book down with great thrill. If you are in need of a short read with such feels, pick this one up. I'm sure you'll be pleased.



Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars.

Goodreads Review Link

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Freaking out moments #16 - Rainbow Rowell

Hands down with one of the coolest author via Twitter or other social media -- Ms Rainbow Rowell!


Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

http://www.bookdepository.com/Eleanor-Park-Rainbow-Rowell/9781409120544/?a_aid=jbblkh


I've chose to read this book right after I've read "Attachments" which I thought it was really good. Without further rambling, I would like to say that back in my school days, I never knew how to love someone like how Park does for Eleanor. And after reading this, I felt that there is a lot to take in with a lot of social ills that Ms Rainbow has brought on to her reader's attention.

Bullying
Eleanor has been a major target for being bullied in school. It's really heartbreaking enough to know Eleanor has just been through a traumatic state of moving to a new town and has to go through such an event of turmoil isn't helping her to develop for the better.

Abuse
Be it verbal, physical or sexual... this book has it all. We can witness how Eleanor's stepfather plays a dominant role on being the abuser at home which builds up the awareness of why Eleanor has become the way she is.

Racism
Although Park is half Korean half Irish boy, and Eleanor is a Red-Hair girl. Racial slurs were pretty bad for Eleanor where names were being slandered upon wherever she is around those people. Such daily abuse are not part of what school life is about and no one should ever go through such a state of impact everyday.

What stands strong in this book is their love for each other. Trust for each other. Whom we all know that love conquers but when circumstances kicks in, sacrifices are needed for the greater good. 

Such a good book. I think love plays a part in this but I think awareness on social ills has been pronounced enough to make people think. I thank Ms Rainbow for writing such a fantastic light-hearted book for everyone.

Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Freaking out moments #15 - Cinda Williams Chima

My favourite post of during blogging is when I'm getting attention from authors!!! What an honour from Cinda Williams Chima!

Her Goodreads page.

 

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

The Heir Chronicles 02 - The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima


Oh my nerves, due to work I have been holding on to this book for nearly A MONTH! Not that it's not good, it just work commitment! Talk about having commitments with work and book at the same time. It's never easy to juggle when it is given a higher task that has been bestowed on us.

Screw my rambling, and back to book reviewing. I thought the second installment of the book is going to leave out all those favourable characters from "The Warrior Heir". Boy, I was dead wrong! Let's start with the core stuff:

World building
The setting is urban fantasy and I love how Cinda builts the world at "The Havens" while Seph was being held captives in there. Furthermore, we get to know more about the so-called NEW "Trinity" in Ohio that was briefly mentioned after the event takes place at the Raven's Ghyll from the first book.

Characters
We are being introduced with Seph as the lead character here with some of his friends that stood by him. So far, I realised that the characters are somewhat relatable but I don't have a favourite one. The author has brought us back to memory lane by re-introducing Jack and Ellen, Linda and Leander, and of course Nick Snowbeard.

Plot
Now, after some gruesome torture from the first half, I didn't expect to have such a PLOT TWIST towards the end. It was mind blowing and my jaw literally drops when I got to know what is it. Magic system was placed into the plot with successfully and it doesn't seem TOO dodgy. Cinda kept the love story to a minimal which I appreciate it  A LOT! Pacing was ok.

Overall, I love this book. It was because of the twist, I have bump this up back to a 5 star rating. I will continue on with the 3rd installment soon which entitled "The Dragon Heir".

Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Review Link